Stranger Things quotes: Since its debut in 2016, Stranger Things has grown from a nostalgic sci-fi mystery into one of Netflix’s most defining global franchises. Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the series blends supernatural horror with coming-of-age drama, anchored by a group of unlikely heroes whose bonds prove stronger than monsters from the Upside Down.

Across four seasons so far, the show has delivered not just Demogorgons, Mind Flayers and Vecna, but also lines that fans continue to quote years later. From Eleven’s minimalist intensity to Hopper’s gruff emotional wisdom, Stranger Things has built a dialogue-driven legacy that balances humour, heartbreak and hope.

As Season 5 led to one of the most watched finale, here is a curated list of the 25 best Stranger Things quotes from Seasons 1 to 4, capturing the essence of its characters and the emotional core of the series.

Stranger Things quotes: Words that built the Party

At the heart of Stranger Things is friendship, imperfect, loyal and fiercely protective. These lines reflect the soul of the group that started it all.

• “Friends don’t lie.” — Eleven
  
• “Why are you keeping this curiosity door locked?” — Dustin Henderson
  
• “Has it ever occurred to you that we don’t want to be popular?” — Mike Wheeler
  
• “Mike, don’t stop, okay? You’re the heart.” — Will Byers
  
• “If we are both going crazy, then we will go crazy together.” — Mike Wheeler
  

Eleven: power, pain and perseverance

Few characters have left a pop-culture imprint like Eleven, whose sparse words often carry the most weight.

• “Mouthbreather.” — Eleven
  
• “Bitchin’.” — Eleven
  
• “I kept the door open three inches. I never stopped believing.” — Eleven

Stranger Things quotes: Humour amid horror

Even in the face of supernatural chaos, Hawkins’ residents rarely lose their wit.

• “Okay, it’s official, I’m never having kids.” — Dustin Henderson
  
• “Ahoy, ladies… would you like to set sail on this ocean of flavor with me?” — Steve Harrington
  
• “You’re all so nerdy, it makes me physically ill.” — Erica Sinclair
  
• “You can’t spell America without Erica.” — Erica Sinclair
  

Eddie Munson and the cost of being different

Eddie’s short but powerful arc left a lasting emotional mark on the series.

• “I didn’t run away this time, right?” — Eddie Munson
  
• “It’s forced conforming. That’s what’s killing the kids.” — Eddie Munson
  
• “It’s very metal what you did.” — Eddie Munson
  

Stranger Things quotes: Love, loss and growing up

As the characters mature, the show increasingly reflects on identity, grief and emotional resilience.

• “When you’re different, sometimes you feel like a mistake.” — Will Byers
  
• “There’s more to life than stupid boys.” — Max Mayfield
  
• “I’m fine… as fine as someone who’s hurtling toward a gruesome death can be.” — Max Mayfield

Stranger Things quotes: Hopper, Joyce and adult wisdom

The adults of Hawkins bring grounding, grit and some of the show’s most heartfelt dialogue.

• “Ask forgiveness, not permission.” — Nancy Wheeler
  
• “Being a freak is the best. I’m a freak.” — Jonathan Byers
  
• “Emotions have been shared. Boundaries have been set.” — Jim Hopper
  
• “Keep on growing up, kid… and for the sake of your old dad, keep the door open three inches.” — Jim Hopper
  

Stranger Things quotes: Chaos merchants and cult favourites

No Stranger Things list is complete without its scene-stealing supporting characters.

• “Hold onto your butts, brochachos!” — Argyle
  
• “I can’t believe I’m going to die in a secret Russian base with Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington.” — Robin Buckley
  
• “And if you need to reach me again… don’t.” — Murray Bauman
  

As the series is still being loved after its final chapter, these 25 quotes stand as reminders of why Hawkins still matters, and why fans keep the door open, three inches, just in case.